Apps Score a Slam Dunk with March Madness Fans

Majority of fans plan to use mobile apps to keep up with games while at work

March Madness lovers who want to follow the games both day and night can breathe a sigh of relief—thanks to mobile apps. According to a study conducted by Harris Interactive for SOASTA, mobile users are turning to their second screen during the workday to keep up with this year’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament.

March 2014 polling found that just over half of US smartphone and tablet users planned to check mobile apps during the workday to keep track of March Madness. Nearly three-quarters said they would take a peek at their mobile device when they took a break from work, and about two-thirds planned to check in on the games during downtime. Lunchtime appeared to be another popular time for catching up with the tournament, with over six in 10 saying they would do so while eating.

Part of the appeal of mobile apps are the live updates they provide: 41% of respondents said that these improved the March Madness experience. Being able to access and manage brackets on the go ranked second (29%), and easy access to team and player information was also popular (27%).

That fans use mobile apps for easy, quick access to information may be why July 2013 research by Informate Mobile Intelligence found that US smartphone users who used sports apps spent little time with them, launching the apps 1.4 times a day and spending 3.7 minutes with them daily. With 41% of respondents to Harris Interactive/SOASTA’s survey planning to check for March Madness updates on their app more than once a day, usage may see an increase over the next few weeks.